6 Author's Purpose Mentor Texts

What are mentor texts? ​Mentor texts or anchor texts are books that can be used as an example of good writing for students.

Check out this podcast for information on mentor texts by Ralph Fletcher.

Texts that INFORM the Reader

​The Watcherby Jeanette Winter​Lexile 820 ​1 Point

​​The inspiring true story of Jane Goodall and her chimps in the African forests of Tanzania.

​How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World​by Marjorie Priceman

​Since the market is closed, the reader is led around the world to gather the ingredients for making an apple pie.

Texts that PERSUADE the Reader

I Wanna New Roomby Karen Orloff​Lexile: 540

​Through brief letters to his parents, Alex presents reasons why he should not have to share a room with his younger brother.

Spoonby Amy Krouse RosenthalLexile: 420

​Lately, Spoon feels like life as a spoon just isn't cutting it. He thinks Fork, Knife, and The Chopsticks all have it so much better than him. But do they?

Texts that ENTERTAIN the Reader

​How I Became a Pirateby Melinda LongLexile: 4702 Points

​​Jeremy Jacob joins Braid Beard and his pirate crew and finds out about pirate language, pirate manners, and other aspects of their life.

​​Memoirs of a Goldfishby Devin Scillian

​A goldfish gives a personal account of his experiences while swimming around his bowl as it slowly fills with fish and other accessories, only to realize when he is relocated for a cleaning how much he misses them.

Kristi Sutter

In 2009 I was given the chance to move into the best job in the world- Library Media Specialist! I work with students and teachers, coaching both in technology and sharing my passion for literature.